Landing craft for conveying dry cargo over ice

ABSTRACT

There is provided a vessel consisting of one or more submerged propulsion hulls connected to a cargo carrying platform suspended over ice by a plurality of interconnecting columns. At least the frontal columns contain ice chipping systems for cutting a path through ice between the submerged hull or hulls and the platform. The columns are preferably pivotably mounted to both the hull or hulls and the platform to permit adjustment of the angle of the column during the ice cutting function and to permit the platform to be lowered onto the surface of the ice when the cargo meets its destination. In the preferred construction, the platform carries a pallet upon which cargo is stored during transit. The pallet is slidably mounted on the platform and can be removed at the destination. Once the cargo is removed, it may be returned to the platform for a return trip.

Umted States Patent 1191 1111 3,817,199 Schirtzinger 11 June 18, 1974 LANDING CRAFT FOR CONVEYING DRY 3,623,444 11/1971 Lang 114/61 CARGO O ICE 3,648,635 3/1972 Hashemi 1 114/40 3,693,729 9/1972 Blurton et a1 l14/.5 D Inventor: J p Schirtzinger, Pasadena, 3,696,624 10/1972 Bennett 61/46 Cai [73] Assignee: Air Logistics Corporation, f Exam er TrYgVe Bhx Pasadena Calif Asststant ExammerGalen L. Barefoot Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Christie, Parker & Hale [22] Filed: Mar. 2, 1972 [2]] Appl. No: 231,154 [57] ABSTRACT There is provided a vessel consisting of one or more 52] us. (:1 114/42, 114/.5 D, 114/435, Submerged Propulsion hulls Connected to a Cargo 1 14/61 rymg platform suspended over ice by a plurality of in- 51 Im. c1 B63b 35/12 tercovneqing 9 7 At least the frontal columns [58] F1616 of Search 114/4042, Comm" 1 PP Systems for Cutting a P 4/5 D, R, 151 61, 7O 16 R 9/8 through 1ce between the submerged hull or hulls and F; 61/465 46; 11 5/1 R the platform. The columns are preferably pivotably mounted to both the hull or hulls and the platform to [56] References Cited plermit adjustmgnt of the adngle of the colurlnn during t e ice cutting unction an to permit the p atform to UNITED STATES PATENTS be lowered onto the surface of the ice when the cargo 2,039,399 5/1936 Englis 114 70 meets its destination 2,545,104 3/1951 Musial 114/42 2,863,293 12/1958 Plumer 114/5 D In the Preffirred Construcflon, the Platform Games 8 2 997 352 3/19 1 suderow 1/4 5 pallet upon which cargo is stored during transit. The 3,068,830 12/1962 Dickerson 115/1 R pallet is slidably mounted on the platform and can be 3,085,533 4/1963 Goryl et a1. 114/16 R removed at the destination, Once the cargo i5 ROSDCI' removed may be returned to the platform for 8 3,492,965 2/1970 Wayfield 114/151 return trip 3,517,632 6/1970 Gray .1 ll4/6l 6/1970 Wanzer 114/151 25 Claims, 3 Drawing; Figures LANDING CRAFT FOR CONVEYING DRY CARGO OVER ICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Transportation of equipment for the exploration and production of petroleum, gas and mineral present in icebound areas such as the north slope of Alaska and the islands of the Canadian Arctic has been severely limited by high cost, accessibility by sea for two months of the year, or less, and the size and weight limitations of airborne carriers when used during the remaining months.

These limitations and the high cost per conductive hour of labor due to climatic extremes and long logistic lines have made the installation cost of such equipment prohibitively high and present economics make their installation questionable.

There is, therefore, a need for a system which can convey the major modules or parts of plants for petroleum, gas and mineral exploration and inevitably the production of useful products therefrom to areas icebound for many months of the year.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided a system for the transport of cargo over the surface of the ice to ice-bound areas.

The system consists of semi-submerged vessels having one or more hulls submerged beneath the surface of the ice and which contains propulsion and control means. Above the surface of the ice there is maintained a cargo platform which is connected to the bull or hulls of the vessel by a plurality of supporting columns, at least the frontal columns containing bow facing ice chipping means adapted to cut a path through the ice. The columns are preferably vertically pivotable in order to maintain the platform above the surface of the ice during transit and to permit the platform to be lowered to the ice surface once the vessel reaches its destination.

The platform is adapted to retain cargo carrying pallets, plant sub-constructions and the like.

Where a pallet is used, it may be rolled off the platform, taken to its destination, the cargo removed and returned to the vessel.

Where the pallet is, in substance, a sub-assembly it is simply removed from the platform and the cargo vessel returned to its place of origin to pick up a new cargo or to transport cargo back to the point of origin or to some other destination.

THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an illustration of the cargo transport system in its conventional operation during transport over ice and shows dual hull construction.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the removal of a pallet from the vessel at the point of destination and illustrates single hull construction.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a navigated system provided for one or more of the submerged hulls of the cargo transport system of this invention.

DESCRIPTION According to the present invention, there is provided a semi-submerged system for transporting cargo over the surface of ice.

The invention basically consists of a semi-submerged vessel having 5 submerged buoyant hull or hulls which preferably contain propulsion and control systems. The submerged hull or hulls are connected to a platform maintained above the ice surface by columns, preferably pivotably adjustable in a vertical direction, with at least the frontal columns containing bow oriented ice chipping systems which cut a path through the surface of the ice. The columns are positioned along both the starboard and port sides of vessel.

The power required to cut the path, however, is minimal with respect to the power employed by ice breakers and the like since only the columns are in contact with the ice.

The port and/or starboard portions of the platform house the crew and preferably contain the prime energy source whose power is used to adjust the vertical height or angle of the columns and to provide the power for the propulsion system mounted in the submerged hull or hulls as well as the hull contained monitoring system, the power being transmitted to the hull or hulls through the interconnecting columns.

The balance of the surfaced platform is employed to store cargo, preforms, or a pallet upon which cargo is stored.

When employed, the platform and/or pallet is fitted with a series of rollers to permit the pallet to be rolled from the platform onto the ice when the vessel reaches its destination after the platform is lowered to the ice surface.

With reference first to FIG. I, the semi-submerged cargo transport system 10 of this invention consists of a pair of submerged spaced hulls 12 preferably maintained at a slight positive buoyancy.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the hulls 12 are connected by vanes 14 and rods 28.

Vanes 14 may be fixed or adjustable to aid in positioning the vessel relative to the undersurface of the ice.

When vanes are fixed or not adjustable or are not mounted between the bow and stem sections of hulls 12 port and starboard diving vanes 15 are employed.

As shown in FIG. 2, similar vanes 15 are provided on unitary hull 13 for adjusting the position of the hull relative to the undersurface of the ice.

Hull 13 or hulls 12 contain the propulsion system 16, which is normally a propeller system or water turbine.

Where twin hulls 12 are employed as shown in FIG. 1, steering or turning may be accomplished by varying the thrust of one hull relative to the other.

Where a single hull 13 is employed as shown in FIG. 2, or where two hulls 12 are employed as in FIG. 1, steering may also be accomplished or augmented by rudders 18 located at the ends of the single hulls 12 or unitary hull 13 shown respectively in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Independent of whether single or dual connected hulls are employed, there is preferably mounted on the upper level of the hull or hulls a resilient bumper 23 to protect the hulls of the vessel, where, due to the buoyancy of the hulls, the system is allowed to come to rest against the undersurface of the ice.

In addition to housing the propulsion unit for the vessel, hulls 12 or hull 13 preferably contain the fuel used by the vessel, the fuel being fed to engine units 20 on platform 22 through one or more of columns 24.

The hulls 12 or hull 13 may also contain the water supply 25 for the crew as well as storage for liquid or fluidizable cargo 27 for transport to or from the icebound areas. The water 25, fuel 29 and cargo 27 compartments are preferably separated flexible diaphragms 31 of bladder construction which allow the water, fuel, and cargo to be supplanted by seawater ballast as they are consumed or discharged without contamination. This also allows the overall buoyancy of the vessel to remain fairly constant throughout operation.

The prime source of power which drives the propulsion system employed, as well as the other energy requirements for the transport system, may be gas turbines, steam generators, internal combustion enginers, nuclear engines and the like, with gas turbines being preferred for simplicity of operation. As indicated, the prime source of power generation is preferably mounted on platform 22 in housings 20 to avoid providing air conduits if the power systems are contained in hulls 12 or hull 13.

As indicated, in addition to providing power for propulsion, the power source contained in engine rooms 20 must provide the power to operate the ice cutters 26 mounted on column 24, power to generate electricity for the operation of the entire vessel as well as the power to pivot columns 24 to raise and lower platform 22 relative to the ice or land.

As indicated, columns 24 connect the hulls 12 or hull 13 to the platform 22. At least the frontal columns are provided with ice chippers 26. As illustrated, however, all of the columns are provided with ice chippers to cover the possibility of the ice freezing prior to contact with the rearmost columns.

The ice chippers used may be similar to the chippers disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,521,592 to Rosner et a1.

As employed in columns 24 the ice chipping cutters 26 preferably consist of a plurality of adjacent ice chipping discs mounted on a pair of parallel shafts which rotate in an opposed direction to toss the chipped ice away from column 24. To avoid damage to columns 24, those portions of columns 24 which may be struck by chips of ice are preferably coated with a reflective elastomeric material (not shown) or a reflective sheet of glass fiber reinforced resin such as Stratoglas alone or back filled with an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material may also be porous to absorb water which aids the cushioning effect to prevent damage to column 24.

It is preferred that the ice be, during the advance of the vessel, chipped, as opposed to cut, since less power is required to chip the ice than required to cut the ice.

During travel the columns 24 are preferably mounted at an angle of from about to about 45 to the vertical to assure that no lift or diving forces will be imparted to the system during transport due to the action of ice chippers 26.

With reference to FIG. 1, columns 24 are preferably pivotably mounted on interconnecting axis 28 and platform 22. This permits the vertical height of platform 22 to be adjusted relative to hulls 12 or hull 13 to meet deviation in ice thicknesses and to maintain platform 22 above the ice during transit and lower the platform cause pivoting of column 24 relative to hulls 12 or hull 13 and platform 22 in a bow to stem direction.

In the alternative, hydraulic pistons 30 may be supplanted by a screw device drive or the like for pivoting columns 24 The operational crew for the vessel are housed in cabin 32 which serves as the main nerve center for operation of the vessel. In addition to containing the system for controlling the operation of the vessel, the cabin 32 also, as a minimum, contains radar device 34 and antenna 36 to maintain communication with servicing vessels and the like to permit servicing of the vessel, itself, or for a change of crew.

With additional reference now to FIG. 1 and 3, the undersea operation of a hull is monitored by lights 38 employed in conjunction with TV camera 40 and normally contains sonar devices connected by cables to suitable control means 41.

With further reference to FIG. 3, the bow of the hull or hulls may also be provided with thrust system 42 comprising intercornmunicating horizontal thrust ports vertical ports 46 and reverse thrust port 48. At least thrust ports 44 and 46 contain reversible motor driven reverse port impellers 50 or water turbines. Thrust ports 46 are used for raising and lowering the vessel, particularly at low speeds.

Thrust ports 44 which are horizontally oriented are used to alter the sideward motion of the vessel and are particularly useful in docking operations.

Thrust port 48 is used as a reverse thrust port to alter the forward movement of the vessel and serves as a brake. It may contain its own impeller but, preferably, contains a flap valve 52. When thrust ports 44 and 46 are operated such that water taken in it, is forced against flap 52 which opens, and flows out port 48 to provide reverse thrust for the transport system.

While, as shown, the motive power for the system is contained on platform 22, it may, as indicated, be contained in the hull or hulls of the vessel 10 with the air required for operation of the engines being supplied through columns 24. This, however, increases hull size and presents some problem of air flow and exhaust. Therefore, it is preferred to maintain the prime motive power for the transport system on the platform 22.

With reference to F108. 1 and 2, platform 22 contains at least zone 54 upon which cargo can be carried or on which a pallet 56 containing cargo is carried or on which a preform for a structure (not shown) under construction may be carried.

Where a pallet 56 or preform is used the pallet may contain its own rolling system 58 or merely skids (not shown) or a rolling system 61) secured provided by platform 22 may be used to discharge the platen 56.

In the alternative, platform 22 may contain retractable rolling system 60 to cover all situations, namely, those where platform 54 contains a rolling system 58 and where the pallet does not contain one.

In FIG. 2, there is illustrated, generally, the manner in which a pallet may be discharged from the vessel at its destination. In the particular instance shown, the pallet contains its own rolling system 58 consisting of a series of spaced axle mounted wheels at each end thereof to be simply rolled from platform 22 after the platform is lowered to the level of the ice or shore line by pivoting columns 24 or simply lowering of the entire hull through the use of the thrust ports 46 or just an elimination of driving power.

Crane 62, for some instances, may be a permanent part of the platform or pallet and used to discharge its contents and return with the pallet to the vessel with the pallet alone or with added cargo for return to the site of origin or some other location.

What is claimed is:

1. A semi-submerged vessel for the transport of cargo over ice which comprises:

a. a submerged hull consisting at least:

i. means for propelling the vessel;

ii. means for steering the vessel;

iii. means for adjusting the position of the hull relative to the undersurface of ice;

b. a surfaced platform providing along the port and starboard sides thereof raised sections, said sections containing;

i. housing for the crew of the vessel;

ii. means to control the movement of the vessel;

iii. means for generating energy required for the vessel, and a zone between said raised port and starboard sections for housing cargo;

c. a plurality of columns pivotably secured to and po sitioned along both the port and starboard sides of said platform, and pivotably connected to said submerged hull, said columns adapted to rotate in a bow to stem direction to adjust the angle of the columns during transit and permit the platform to be lowered to the ice or ground level at destination and cooperate with said hull to maintain said platform above the surface of ice during transit, at least the frontal columns containing bow oriented powered ice chipping means for cutting a path through the iceand means to transmit energy from said platform to said submerged hull.

2. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 1 in which the submerged hull consists of a pair of spaced interconnected hulls, each hull independently provided with propulsion and steering means.

3. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 2 in which the hulls are also interconnected by adjustable vanes for use in adjusting the position of the hull relative to undersurface of the ice.

4. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 1 in which each interconnecting column contains ice chipping means.

5. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 2 in which each interconnecting column contains ice chipping means.

6. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 1 in which each interconnecting column contains ice chipping means.

7. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 1 in combination with a cargo carrying pallet adapted to fit into the zone between the raised port and starboard section of the surfaced platform.

8. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 7 in which the zone between the raised port and starboard positions are equipped with means to receive said pallet in slidable relationship.

9. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 8 in which the means to receive said pallet is retractable.

10. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 7 in which the pallet is provided with self contained means for movement onto and from the zone between the raised port and starboard sections of the surfaced platform.

1 l. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 2 in combination with a cargo carrying pallet adapted to fit into the zone between the raised port and starboard section of the surfaced platform.

12. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 11 in which the zone between the raised port and starboard positions are equipped with means to receive said pallet in slidable relationship.

13. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 12 in which the means to receive said. pallet is retractable.

14. A semi submerged vessel as claimed in claim 7 in which the pallet is provided with self contained means for movement onto and from the zone between the raised port and starboard sections of the surfaced platform.

15. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 1 in which the submerged hull includes means to monitor the passage of the hull under the surface of the ice.

16. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 2 in which the submerged hull includes means to monitor the passage of the hull under the surface of the ice.

17. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 1 in which the means to adjust the position of the vessel relative to the undersurface of the ice a horizontally disposed thrustports, extending from one side of a pair of projecting hull sections to the opposed side thereof, said horizontally disposed thrustport intersecting a vertically disposed thrustport extending the width of said extended hull sections, each containing means to induce a flow of water inwardly and outwardly therethrough and a longitudinal thrustport extending from bow of each hull extension and communicating with the intersection of said horizontally and vertically disposed thrustport.

18. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 1 in which the submerged hull at least contains compartments for carrying the fuel and water supply for the vessel.

19. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 18 in which the submerged hull also contains fluid cargo transport compartments.

20. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 2 in which said pair of spaced interconnected hulls at least contain compartments for carrying the fuel and water supply for the vessel.

21. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 20 in which said pair of spaced interconnected hulls also contain fluid cargo transport compartments.

22. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 18 in which said compartments are formed of flexible diaphragms.

23. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 19 in which said compartments are formed of flexible diaphragms.

24. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 20 in which said compartments are formed of flexible diaphragms.

25. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 21 in which said compartments are formed of flexible diaphragms.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. $317,199 Dated ne 18,19'm

entOf(S) I Joseph F. Sohi r'hzirL-iger It'is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 1h, "conductive" should read productive Column 5; line 9, "conaisting" should read M containing Signed and sealed this 19th day of November 1974.

(SEAL) Attest; v

McCOY M. GIBSON JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attemzing Officer Commissmner of Patents FORM PO-1D5O (l0-69)- UsCOMM-Dc 0 75 u.s. eovzmmzm mwrmc OFFICE: 930 

1. A semi-submerged vessel for the transport of cargo over ice which comprises: a. a submerged hull consisting at least: i. means for propelling the vessel; ii. means for steering the vessel; iii. means for adjusting the position of the hull relative to the undersurface of ice; b. a surfaced platform providing along the port and starboard sides thereof raised sections, said sections containing; i. housing for the crew of the vessel; ii. means to control the movement of the vessel; iii. means for generating energy required for the vessel, and a zone between said raised port and starboard sections for housing cargo; c. a plurality of columns pivotably secured to and positioned along both the port and starboard sides of said platform, and pivotably connected to said submerged hull, said columns adapted to rotate in a boW to stern direction to adjust the angle of the columns during transit and permit the platform to be lowered to the ice or ground level at destination and cooperate with said hull to maintain said platform above the surface of ice during transit, at least the frontal columns containing bow oriented powered ice chipping means for cutting a path through the ice and means to transmit energy from said platform to said submerged hull.
 2. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 1 in which the submerged hull consists of a pair of spaced interconnected hulls, each hull independently provided with propulsion and steering means.
 3. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 2 in which the hulls are also interconnected by adjustable vanes for use in adjusting the position of the hull relative to undersurface of the ice.
 4. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 1 in which each interconnecting column contains ice chipping means.
 5. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 2 in which each interconnecting column contains ice chipping means.
 6. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 1 in which each interconnecting column contains ice chipping means.
 7. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 1 in combination with a cargo carrying pallet adapted to fit into the zone between the raised port and starboard section of the surfaced platform.
 8. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 7 in which the zone between the raised port and starboard positions are equipped with means to receive said pallet in slidable relationship.
 9. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 8 in which the means to receive said pallet is retractable.
 10. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 7 in which the pallet is provided with self contained means for movement onto and from the zone between the raised port and starboard sections of the surfaced platform.
 11. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 2 in combination with a cargo carrying pallet adapted to fit into the zone between the raised port and starboard section of the surfaced platform.
 12. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 11 in which the zone between the raised port and starboard positions are equipped with means to receive said pallet in slidable relationship.
 13. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 12 in which the means to receive said pallet is retractable.
 14. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 7 in which the pallet is provided with self contained means for movement onto and from the zone between the raised port and starboard sections of the surfaced platform.
 15. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 1 in which the submerged hull includes means to monitor the passage of the hull under the surface of the ice.
 16. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 2 in which the submerged hull includes means to monitor the passage of the hull under the surface of the ice.
 17. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 1 in which the means to adjust the position of the vessel relative to the undersurface of the ice a horizontally disposed thrustports, extending from one side of a pair of projecting hull sections to the opposed side thereof, said horizontally disposed thrustport intersecting a vertically disposed thrustport extending the width of said extended hull sections, each containing means to induce a flow of water inwardly and outwardly therethrough and a longitudinal thrustport extending from bow of each hull extension and communicating with the intersection of said horizontally and vertically disposed thrustport.
 18. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 1 in which the submerged hull at least contains compartments for carrying the fuel and water supply for the vessel.
 19. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 18 in which the submerged hull also contains fluid cargo transport compartments.
 20. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 2 in which said pair of spaced interconnected hulls at least coNtain compartments for carrying the fuel and water supply for the vessel.
 21. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 20 in which said pair of spaced interconnected hulls also contain fluid cargo transport compartments.
 22. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 18 in which said compartments are formed of flexible diaphragms.
 23. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 19 in which said compartments are formed of flexible diaphragms.
 24. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 20 in which said compartments are formed of flexible diaphragms.
 25. A semi-submerged vessel as claimed in claim 21 in which said compartments are formed of flexible diaphragms. 